Strengthening links with Venezuela
Peter Keevil writes from Chile:
Almost 3 weeks in Venezuela, back in our old church in the city of Barquisimeto. What an experience! How faithful God has been; the church moved into their “promised land” in August 07 (after 20 plus years wait and many encouraging prophecies).
The church is being developed on 2 hectares of land where originally there was a large shed with dirt floors, part of a roof, some metal walls, which after a lot of hard work the church now has walls, floor (ceramic is being laid as we write), a good lighting system and the vital air conditioning. There is still a lot more of the building to be finished (another 60 by 15 metres) which joins with the 60 metres already developed, but at least the renovated part can seat about 400.
It has been a step of faith, each month God faithfully provides for the high expenditure in the midst of a shortage of materials, usually just before the last day of payment. Many years ago, God said that He would prepare a land for the church. Just after they decided to buy the land, the government built a large sports stadium a little further on, and for better access they put in a dual carriageway, lights, and traffic lights! A highway was made for the people of God!
We were busy, Peter also had a 2 day retreat sharing on Ephesians 4:11 ministry, concerning apostle and prophetic ministry. There were over 100 on each day, despite the fact that it was a national holiday. Another special time was when we shared with the 14 key youth leaders (there are over 100 young people attending the church). When we finished the main session, they just sat there waiting for more! – not to disappoint we talked about cross cultural missions, as there are quite a few who have a missionary calling. We hope to start some linking with the churches here in Chile, and would appreciate prayer for this.
It was thrilling to be with the pastors and wives, and see “our” spiritual children with their children active in the church! Two daughter churches have started in the last 2 years, one in the city of Valencia about 3 hours driving distance, we tried many years ago to start a church in this city, but it did not develop! The other church is in a town about 1 hours drive from Barquisimeto, which is known to be a centre for witchcraft. We had the joy of sharing the word at the opening ceremony! What is special is that the pastoral couples heading up these works are our “spiritual children” of many years ago. Both groups have about 30 to 40 people attending on a regular basis.
There is a battle on, and we thank God for the team of intercessors in the church that are aiming for a 24 hour intercession ministry 7 days a week. This was a vital factor for the churches growth in the early years.
Venezuela is going through a difficult time, shortages of the basics in the shops, violence that is unprecedented, although outwardly there are some “cosmetic” changes, but we rejoice to see how the Venezuelan church throughout the country is experiencing growth.
We returned to Chile on the 20th of February, and realize how fortunate we are here to be able to walk outside without fear of being robbed, and to see the shops with just about everything you could need.
Both the Quilpué and Valparaiso congregations are still in the holiday period, continuing with the Sunday services but with week night services down to a minimum. Patricio, Elba and the children were able to take a week’s break in a nearby seaside town. Guido and Marcia spent some days in our flat. The school year begins in March and the church activities will recommence.
Points for prayer:
- Pray for Quilpué and Valparaiso congregations as they recommence in March and that during this year they will see numerical growth and a building up the believers to become more involved.
- For Patricio as he teaches, and continues to study along with pastoring the church
- Thank God for safety during our visit to Venezuela, for God’s provision for the church, and for His continued blessing and provision in the development of the work.